| Everyday item | Hidden hazard | |---------------|----------------| | Luggage with lithium battery charger | Fire risk | | Paintings with wet varnish | Flammable liquid | | Biological samples in gel packs | Infectious substance (Class 6) | | Engine parts containing fuel residue | Flammable liquid | | Aerosol cooking spray | Flammable gas |
Not all dangerous goods require full DG paperwork. IATA DGR includes:
To ensure safe transit, all shipments must comply with the , which is updated annually to reflect the latest safety protocols and technological changes. ⚠️ The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries are currently the highest-profile issue in air cargo safety. They are classified as Class 9 (Miscellaneous) but have specific packing instructions due to their risk of "thermal runaway" (fire). iata dangerous good
While IATA writes the regulations, enforcement is carried out by (e.g., FAA in the USA, EASA in Europe).
Shippers are legally responsible for identifying, classifying, packing, marking, and labeling their goods. Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) - IATA
The foundation of the regulations is the classification system, which aligns with the UN (United Nations) Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Substances are grouped into , some of which are further divided into divisions. They are classified as Class 9 (Miscellaneous) but
Note: Class 9 covers substances that pose a danger not covered by other classes, such as environmental hazards or elevated temperature materials.
| Class | Description | Common Examples | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Explosives | Ammunition, fireworks, detonators. | | Class 2 | Gases | Aerosols, fire extinguishers, lighters. | | Class 3 | Flammable Liquids | Paints, adhesives, gasoline, alcohol. | | Class 4 | Flammable Solids | Matches, sodium, magnesium, coal. | | Class 5 | Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides | Fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), hydrogen peroxide. | | Class 6 | Toxic & Infectious Substances | Pesticides, medical waste, viruses. | | Class 7 | Radioactive Material | Medical isotopes, uranium. | | Class 8 | Corrosives | Batteries (wet), sulfuric acid, caustic soda. | | Class 9 | Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods | Lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetized material. |
Air transport places unique stress on packaging due to altitude changes, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) - IATA The foundation
Training categories include:
(e.g., pesticides, medical samples, viruses)